Besides antisemitism and racism, there’s another dangerous “ism” afoot — ageism — and it’s being propagated both by Democrats and Republicans more interested in partisan advantage than in human worth. [Donald H. Harrison]
Let’s not sacrifice wise leaders to partisan ageism Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, USA
Ambassador Raphael Morav did not plan to move to Israel; his parents brought him there when he was still in primary school. He did not plan to become a diplomat, he simply saw a listing for jobs, took a test, and got in. He never planned on becoming the Ambassador of Israel to Ethiopia, but that is the position that opened up at the time and he applied. Lastly, Ambassador Morav never planned on completely changing Ethiopian Jewish life nor perceptions of Jews in Addis Ababa. But that is what he did, with calm and persistence and his usual kind demeanor. [Sam Litvin]
Israel’s Envoy Seen as ‘Modern Moses’ in Ethiopia Read More »
International, Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Middle East, Sam LitvinThe adoption of an Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum on Thursday, March 18, by the State Board of Education drew mixed responses from Jewish advocacy groups. It was hailed by some and decried by others. [Donald H. Harrison]
State Board Approves Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Middle East, San Diego County, Science, Medicine, & Education, USA
With a growing international footprint and new intensive trainings, resources, and consulting services, the Jewish Teen Funders Network, which includes the teen philanthropy program of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego, has rebranded as Honeycomb (honeycomb.org). [News release from honeycomb]
Jewish Teen Funders Network Rebrands as Honeycomb Read More »
Business & Finance, Lifestyles, San Diego County, USA
I ordered this book from Bibliophile because the blurb proclaimed that its main character was a pilot who fell in love with an Israeli woman and fought for his adopted country. That, in essence, is the nub of the story, but around it surges and swells a series of events and adventures involving love and enmity, joy and sorrow, and a veritable roller-coaster of emotions for the reader, who cannot help but be drawn into this gripping tale of romance, adventure and action. [Dorothea Shefer-Vanson]
A Pilot’s Love Affair With a Beautiful Israeli Read More »
Books, Poetry & Short Stories, Dorothea Shefer-Vanson, Middle East
With the wave of immigrants arriving at the border clamoring to be let in, I have been thinking a lot about immigration. When Trump was in power, the border was basically closed, refugees and asylees had to wait in Mexico until their case was heard and that was a very long, inhumane process. In addition, many mothers were separated from their children. It seems like now the pendulum has swung from one extreme to another. Do I agree with all the adults and unaccompanied minor rushing the border? It is creating unmanageable chaos and confusion. However, I do understand why this is happening. America is viewed as a safe haven for so many whose own countries or lives are in conflict, and they are desperate. [Mimi Pollack]
Refugees will become hard-working Americans Read More »
International, Mimi Pollack, USA
It is a relief to learn that the nearly 10 million Americans who live in Arizona, Montana and West Virginia feel safe from gun violence. Three Democratic senators from these states will not take all necessary steps to pass two gun-control bills that the House of Representatives approved last Thursday. [Bruce S. Tickeer]
Dems supporting filibuster indirectly support gun violence Read More »
Bruce Ticker, USAJewish organizations responded with sympathy and solidarity on Wednesday for the families of eight victims murdered Tuesday, March 16, in a shooting spree at several Georgia spas in the Atlanta area. Six of the eight slain were women of Asian descent, according to officials. [Donald H. Harrison]
Jewish groups sympathize with Georgia shooting victims Read More »
Donald H. Harrison, Obituaries & memorials, USA
Japan is in a policy box of its own making regarding the Senkaku island chain. China has raised the ante significantly by giving its Coast Guard the right to challenge and shoot back in any confrontation with Japan as China’s Coast Guard patrols deeply around the island chain. [Stephen D. Bryen]
Japan, China vie over ownership of Senkaku Islands Read More »
International, Stephen D. Bryen, USA
In Israel, much of the evening news swirls around the gossip about who will sit with who in a new government coalition after the upcoming election on March 23. What has been singularly missing from the chatterbox TV news programs has been the vitally important plans of each party over the future of the Israeli economy. This brief summary will give you an idea of how each party intends to tackle the economy if it should gain power. [Barry Shaw]
Israel’s Leading Parties’ Economic Plans Read More »
Barry Shaw, Business & Finance, Middle East
Two months into our “cruise” (sans spas and umbrella drinks), it’s January 1985, when we start planning for a battlegroup-wide Passover seder for thirty when we discovered the ship’s supply system was ill-equipped for the task. [Jeff Goldfinger]
The Case of the Missing Matzoh Read More »
Jewish History, Jewish Religion, Lifestyles, USA
Municipal leaders from more than 32 cities across 21 countries took part today in the first-ever Mayors Summit Against Anti-Semitism, hosted by the Frankfurt am Main municipality in partnership with the Combat Anti-Semitism Movement (CAM). Participants including tens of city mayors pledged to make the summit the first step in establishing a long-term framework working towards defeating anti-Semitism, prejudice, and hatred. [Combat Anti-Semitism Movement press release]
Global Group of Mayors Decry Antisemitism Read More »
International, USA
JERUSALEM — Where are we now? Who knows? Indications of infections are down. The parties and religious events at Purim do not seem to have produced an increase. Widespread inoculations are the explanation. They work to prevent a spread. So we’re getting ready for a Passover close to normal. Seders with 30 or perhaps 50 members are said to be okay, if there isn’t an increase in infections before then. (ira Sharkansky, Ph.D)
Impossible to say who’ll win Israel’s upcoming election Read More »
Ira Sharkansky, Middle East
Not many Jews today recall a 19th century Jewish leader who wrote a booklet that inspired young Jews to move to the Land of Israel. The man at first believed passionately in assimilation as an answer for Jews and later, due to what he saw as rising anti-Semitism advocated a new idea, what eventually became known as Zionism. He himself met with notables all over Europe to advance his plans. The booklet made an impact and led to his chairing a movement that convened a groundbreaking convention of Jews who came from all over Europe to speak about practical ways to spark a mass Return to Zion. [Moshe Phillips]
A Bicentennial to Mark Modern Zionism Read More »
International, Jewish History, Middle East